I Got a Lower-body MRI: Here's What it Told Me about My Muscle Mass

In this episode, I sit down with Brian Heiderscheit , a professor in the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and director of the Badger Athletic Performance program. Brian also collaborates with Springbok Analytics, a company specializing in advanced full-body MRI scans. Together, we discuss my recent experience with a Springbok scan, how MRI data is revolutionizing athlete performance analysis, and actionable insights for reducing injury risks and improving training outcomes.

Key Topics Covered:

* Introduction to Springbok Analytics: Overview of their advanced MRI technology and its application in research and athletic training.

* Brian’s Background: Insights into his role at UW-Madison and collaborations with Springbok Analytics on research initiatives, including a grant with the NFL.

* My MRI Experience:

* The scanning process, which takes 10-15 minutes.

* Analysis of over 74 muscles rendered in 3D.

* Comparison to population norms and evaluation of muscle size, asymmetry, and fat infiltration.

* Key Findings from My Scan:

* Notable asymmetry in muscle size between the left and right legs.

* Larger left-side muscles, likely due to targeted rehabilitation post-injury. My left semitendinosus and other hamstrings were larger, while the right biceps femoris was bigger by about 10%.

* Smaller right-side plantar flexors (e.g., soleus, gastroc) compared to the left, with a 7% size difference in the soleus. These findings align with subjective feelings of less power on the right side during runs.

* My quadriceps showed strong development, particularly on the left, with right-side muscles slightly smaller.

* Fat infiltration analysis, showing low levels typical of an active individual, with slight increases in the quadratus lumborum.

* Actionable Insights for Athletes:

* Targeted strength training to address imbalances, particularly focusing on the right-side soleus and quadriceps.

* The potential value of pairing MRI data with gait analysis for a comprehensive view of biomechanics.

* Using follow-up scans to evaluate the effectiveness of training programs.

* The Role of MRI in Longitudinal Tracking:

* Establishing a baseline for future comparison.

* Monitoring recovery from injury or changes in training plans.

* Brian’s Recommendations:

* Adjust training to improve right-side strength, especially in the soleus and hamstrings.

* Consider integrating gait analysis to identify asymmetries during running.

Resources Mentioned:

* Springbok Analytics: springbokanalytics.com

* Badger Athletic Performance Program: BAP at UW-Madison

* Brian Hederscheidt’s Google Scholar Profile for published research

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